After out-of-work actor Daniel Hilliard (Robin Williams) loses custody of his three children to his ex-wife Miranda (Sally Field), he dresses up in drag to become the matronly Mrs. Doubtfire, the family's new nanny, in order to see his… MoreAfter out-of-work actor Daniel Hilliard (Robin Williams) loses custody of his three children to his ex-wife Miranda (Sally Field), he dresses up in drag to become the matronly Mrs. Doubtfire, the family's new nanny, in order to see his kids every day.

Consensus:
On paper, Mrs. Doubtfire might seem excessively broad or sentimental, but Robin Williams shines so brightly in the title role that the end result is difficult to resist.

Brian Lowry

Variety

Although overly sappy in places and probably 20 minutes too long, this Robin Williams-in-drag vehicle provides the comic a slick surface for doing his shtick, within a story possessing broad family appeal.

In terms of plot, the film is rather feeble, but sometimes there's more to a movie than story, and this is one of those rare occasions when all the other elements pull together and lift the production.

Only The late Robin Williams has ever been able to pull off being a woman! An overrated movie but it holds genuine emotion and comedy to be family gold!

Alex roy

Mrs. Doubtfire is an interesting comedy with a pretty good cast. Starring Robin Williams who plays Daniel Hilliard a voice actor who though is a loving, caring… MoreMrs. Doubtfire is an interesting comedy with a pretty good cast. Starring Robin Williams who plays Daniel Hilliard a voice actor who though is a loving, caring father cannot be a strict one, and eventually his wife played by Sally Field files for divorce after a disastrous birthday party. He hatches a plan to see his kids more often due to the fact that his wife has gotten custody of their kids, thus he poses as a maid named Mrs. Doubtfire. The film is well directed by Chris Columbus and he is able to craft a good comedy that the whole family can enjoy. Sure the film could have been improved, but for what it is, Mrs. Doubtfire is lots of fun. There's good comedy at work here, and the cast deliver good performances. Obviously the actor that holds this film together is Robin Williams, and he gives one of his most unique performances here. The film is not perfect, and it does possess flaws, however the film is still a well crafted comedy that has plenty of good laughs and drama to appeal to anyone looking for a good family oriented comedy. The film works well enough, and is entertaining. Mrs. Doubtfire has been compared to Tootsie; however this one was based on book. Either way, both films are good, and Mrs. Doubtfire is a good comedy worth watching with your family. There's a good cast here that work very well with the humor, and Williams delivers a great humorous performance, he was the perfect choice for the part. Despite its flaws, Mrs. Doubtfire is a good film worth seeing.

Eric Alvarez

Another one of my kid classics. Gotta love it.

Aj V

This movie is both serious and funny, I loved it when I was younger, as I could relate to the kids in the movie. Plus, it's one of Williams' best… MoreThis movie is both serious and funny, I loved it when I was younger, as I could relate to the kids in the movie. Plus, it's one of Williams' best performances in my opinion. I highly recommend this movie.

Christian C

No doubt about it - Robin Williams is brilliant!

Stacy Avary

While Robin Williams is a great and funny actor, deeming this movie Family Friendly didn't sit well with me. Taking God's name in vain in front of a… MoreWhile Robin Williams is a great and funny actor, deeming this movie Family Friendly didn't sit well with me. Taking God's name in vain in front of a child and then have that child repeat it back to her mother wasn't a smart thing to do. I don't think this movie is for all ages and parental supervision should be required. Aside from that, I liked this movie pretty well and had some good laughs. Robin is great in that old woman get up. I like the fact that they tol the story about how divorce affects everyone in the family. They did put a comedic spin on this movie and it was worth the watch.

Mike S

Having been a child of divorce myself, there were many things I could relate to when I saw this the first time around. Now, after seeing it again more than ten… MoreHaving been a child of divorce myself, there were many things I could relate to when I saw this the first time around. Now, after seeing it again more than ten years later, I still love it as much as I did back then. The story is heartfelt and genuine, despite the fact that it isn't very believable in certain aspects. What matters here though, is all the fun, laughter and great entertainment that it manages to provide, mostly thanks to Robin Williams, who really knows how to kick life into these sort of family movies. And finally a word to all the movie cynics out there: if you want realism, go watch a documentary. If you want to be entertained for once, as compared to all the dull and soulless family flicks being produced these days, see Mrs. Doubtfire. For it might just make your day a little brighter.

Jason Robinson

A childhood favorite. Not sure what you were doing in the early 90s if you missed out on this one.

Chris Weber

An eccentric actor specializing in voice over work takes drastic measures to be with his kids after a bitter divorce from his nagging shrew of a wife gains sole… MoreAn eccentric actor specializing in voice over work takes drastic measures to be with his kids after a bitter divorce from his nagging shrew of a wife gains sole custody of their three children. His solution: get his makeup artist brother (and the brother's partner) to make an impressive set of clothes and prosthetics to become Mrs. Doubtfire-the new Scottish nanny hired by his ex-wife to take care of the kids and the house while she focuses on her career.
It's a high concept film that really works. It was great in the 90s, and it still holds up quite well over 20 years later.
Chris Columbus is a rather hit and miss director at times, but this is easily one of his best. It's funny, memorable, highly quotable, and really does a good job at dealing with tough topics. Divorce is hard on kids and their parents, and the film shows this, but does so in a way where the comedy and drama are mixed pretty evenly.
Robin Williams puts his talents to very effective use, and it seems to me as if this role was tailor made for him. He gets to run wild with his shtick, yes, but he also shows his true acting chops when needed as well, and, though he is immature, he changes, and it is earned. Sally Field, good actress though she is, is rather one note here as the nagging wife. She gives the role a bit more weight due to her skill, but sadly it's still not the most developed or fleshed out role. The three kids (including Mara Wilson in her film debut) are fine enough, though the older daughter can be a really unlikable bitch at times. Also, it cracks me up how the boy kinda looks like Dave Grohl to an extent.
Other people who show up are Pierce Brosnan as a well-to-do snob trying to take over Williams's role as family man, Robert Prosky as Williams's boss at his court-appointed job, and Harvey Fierstein as the makeup artist brother.
The film does run long, and, as I said, some of the characters are not all that likeable or developed, but overall, this is a well meaning, enjoyable, and pretty memorable blast.

Jim Careter

Tootsie all over again, but funnier and cooler, a great film.

Bethany Murphy

A childhood favourite and a classic!

Unknown Hobo

I used to love this movie as a kid but as I watch it as an adult I wonder why I loved it so much. Robin Williams plays his part in this movie and without him I… MoreI used to love this movie as a kid but as I watch it as an adult I wonder why I loved it so much. Robin Williams plays his part in this movie and without him I do not think it would be regarded as highly as some do but for the most part the acting was irritating and the humour mostly recycled. I own it but it does not own me as all great movies do.